Digital Skills Ltd

Technical Consulting, Architecture and Support

Digital Skills are an advanced technical consultancy, supporting AWS, Azure and Google clouds . Our technical specialists can deliver the full range of technical services, including Architecture, Migrations, Testing, Security, Support and configuration. Our team is experienced in cross-functional collaboration and is fully aligned with the Government’s Cloud First Policy.

Features

• Technical and Solutions Architecture
• Data Migration
• Quality Assurance and Testing
• DevOps and Automation
• Technical Consultancy
• Cloud Configuration
• Cloud Security
• Product Management
• Data Analysis
• Project and Programme Management

Benefits

• Cost Reduction
• Intelligent Supplier Management
• Migration support
• Technical evaluation and ensuring effective solution delivery
• Multi Disciplinary
• Security and data risk reduction and mitigation
• Identification of new technologies
• Technical debt reduced
• Rapid, innovative and collaborative

£350 to £1,750 a unit a day

Service documents

• Pricing document

  PDF

• Skills Framework for the Information Age rate card

  PDF

• Service definition document

  PDF

• Terms and conditions

  PDF

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at mike@digitalskills.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.

Framework

G-Cloud 14

Service ID

258862571553175

Contact

Mike Cheeseman
07958421197
mike@digitalskills.com

Planning

• Planning service: Yes
• How the planning service works: Digital Skills are a collection and network of the top experts in Digital technology and Cloud Infrastructure. Our experts cover (but not limited to) - Business Analysis - Technical Architecture - Solutions Architecture - Cloud Architecture - Security Consulting - Engineering (Back-End and Front-End) - Data - Delivery Management - Planning - DevOps and Testing (Manual/Automation). We are specialists in IaaS / PaaS environments and work with our clients to help plan for migrations and upgrades as well as deliver implementations, configurations and manage suppliers. We are able to introduce flexible resources and a highly competitive rate, with a range of Security Cleared and industry experts available. If you are undergoing any form of Digital Transformation, we have the skills you require across open source, Microsoft and bespoke tech stacks.; ; Our delivery managers lead the planning process and will work with you to determine and document the objectives. They will capture the scope of work, create a technical roadmap and prioritise the deliverables, setting out delivery timescales and resources and capabilities needed. ; ; Where business change, business analysis, user centred design or other non-technical capabilities are required, Digital Skills can provide these or work collaboratively with them to complete the planning.
• Planning service works with specific services: No

Training

• Training service provided: Yes
• How the training service works: Digital Skills are able to offer training in the following areas:; ; - Overview of different cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS); - Understanding of cloud providers' offerings (AWS, Azure, etc.); - Best practices for cloud architecture design and implementation; ; Migration:; - Strategies for cloud migration (lift and shift, re-platforming, re-architecting); - Risk assessment and mitigation during migration; ; Testing:; - Principles of software testing (functional, non-functional, etc.); - Test automation frameworks and tools ; - Performance testing techniques and tools ; ; Security:; - Understanding cloud security models ; - Identity and access management ; - Encryption techniques for data at rest and in transit; - Compliance requirements and security best practices specific to government regulations; ; Support:; - Incident management and troubleshooting ; - Monitoring and alerting solutions ; - Service level agreements (SLAs) and managing cloud providers; - Continuous improvement ; ; Configuration:; - Configuration management tools (e.g., AWS CloudFormation, Azure Resource Manager); - Infrastructure as code (IaC) principles ; - Configuration best practices for high availability, scalability, and cost optimization; ; We train on advanced topics such as serverless computing, containerisation, specific to AWS or Azure; ; By offering tailored training programs covering these areas, we empower clients to effectively leverage cloud technology while ensuring compliance, security, and operational excellence
• Training is tied to specific services: No

Setup and migration

• Setup or migration service available: Yes
• How the setup or migration service works: How the setup or migration service works; Digital Skills work with a number of clients in both the Public and Private sector. We partner and employ the best technical consultants in the market with experience of cloud Migration and configuration. Our Services cover AWS and Azure cloud and we work in highly secure environments. ; ; We design solutions with an options analysis, setting out the benefits of each solution as well as the costs involved in the long term. We Consider factors such as solution lock-in, scalability, security, data residency, legacy technology, compliance, cost-effectiveness, and interoperability with existing systems. Our consultants select appropriate cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) and deployment models (public, private, hybrid) based on the client's requirements and the options analysis. We will build a Migration strategy that that minimizes downtime, risks, and disruptions to the client's operations.
• Setup or migration service is for specific cloud services: Yes
• List of supported services:
  • AWS
  • Azure
  • GCS

Quality assurance and performance testing

• Quality assurance and performance testing service: Yes
• How the quality assurance and performance testing works: As a supplier to the government for quality assurance and testing, we offer comprehensive services integrating cutting-edge technologies like Cypress, Cucumber, and other advanced automation tools. Leveraging these technologies, we streamline the testing process, improve test coverage, and enhance the reliability of government software applications.; ; Incorporating Shift Left methodologies, we prioritize testing early in the software development lifecycle, ensuring defects are identified and addressed swiftly. This approach minimizes rework, accelerates time-to-market, and enhances overall software quality.; ; For performance testing, we employ industry-leading tools such as JMeter, LoadRunner, and Gatling to assess the scalability, stability, and responsiveness of government applications. By simulating real-world scenarios and stress testing under various conditions, we identify performance bottlenecks and optimize system performance.; ; Our experts combine manual and automated testing approaches to deliver comprehensive quality assurance solutions tailored to the unique requirements of Public Sector projects. By leveraging technology, methodologies, and performance test tools, we empower government clients to achieve higher software quality, faster delivery, and improved end-user satisfaction.; ; We have experts from Test Programme Director, Test Manager, Senior Testers, Automation Engineers, Test Executives and others who work in TDD / BDD environments. ; ; We are fully able to work in Opensource or MS tech stacks.

Security testing

• Security services: Yes
• Security services type:
  • Security strategy
  • Security risk management
  • Security design
  • Cyber security consultancy
  • Security testing
  • Security incident management
  • Security audit services
• Certified security testers: Yes
• Security testing certifications:
  • CHECK
  • CREST
  • Cyber Scheme

Ongoing support

• Ongoing support service: Yes
• Types of service supported: Hosting or software provided by a third-party organisation
• How the support service works: Managed Services and Support: Provide ongoing support ensuring the smooth operation of your software applications and cloud infrastructure. This may involve monitoring system performance, troubleshooting issues, and applying software updates and patches.; ; Digital Skills can support all three major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google). We also provide cloud based services that support migration from legacy to cloud, this includes Quality Assurance of data and integration support.; ; Digital Skills have deep expertise in infrastructure and service management. Our ITIL Certified Service Management experts are available to help both provide Support and incident management, but to also help manage the major suppliers, providing contract support and managment, bid support and negotiation. ; ; Digital Skills will you support change management activites with detailed Service Level Design, proof of concepts and cost estimation for transition.

Service scope

• Service constraints: There are no specific constraints, however as a smaller organisation, we would need to ramp up teams for ongoing support for very large services.

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: No
• Phone support: No
• Web chat support: No
• Support levels: Digital Skills are a consultancy who provide the highest levels of consultant. We do not provide support teams with ticketing solutions or 24 hr help desks, what we provide are high level consultants who can fix business and technology issues from a high level perspective.; ; Our support is typically from a solution design perspective, understanding the fundamental issues as to why systems and applications may not function correctly, assessing system capabilities and ongoing areas for development.; ; The different levels of support begin at:; - Technical Evaluation and an Architecture Assurance; - Capacity Planning; - Configuration; - Development and integration ; - Testing support; ; Our services are often intertwined with business outcomes and objectives, ensuring that the systems in place support business outcomes.

Resellers

• Supplier type: Not a reseller

Staff security

• Staff security clearance: Conforms to BS7858:2019
• Government security clearance: Up to Developed Vetting (DV)

Standards and certifications

• ISO/IEC 27001 certification: No
• ISO 28000:2007 certification: No
• CSA STAR certification: No
• PCI certification: No
• Cyber essentials: Yes
• Cyber essentials plus: No
• Other security certifications: No

Social Value

• Social Value:

  Social Value

  • Fighting climate change
  • Tackling economic inequality
  • Equal opportunity
  • Wellbeing

  Fighting climate change

  Policy Outcome: Effective stewardship of the environment; ; Digital Skills are a very small company, we do not own or manage any buildings however take climate change seriously. ; Our environmental and carbon reduction policy, with our commitment to net zero, can be found here https://digitalskills.com/environmental-and-carbon-reduction-policy/ .; Our policies include: Electric Company Cars: We use electric company cars for staff transportation as part of our company car scheme. ; ; Paperless Office: Our offices are paperless office environments. We recognise the environmental benefits of reducing paper consumption, such as saving trees, reducing waste, and lowering carbon emissions associated with paper production and disposal. ; ; We use cloud services: A 2018 study found that using a cloud platform can be up to 93 percent more energy efficient and up to 98 percent more carbon efficient than on-premises solutions.; ; Remote Work and Telecommuting: Most of our workers are remote, we therefore have limited emissions from commuting by car or public transportation.

  Tackling economic inequality

  Policy outcome 1: Create new businesses, new jobs and new skills; ; For every contract awarded, we consider the potential for upskilling, training, job creation and supply chain partnerships.; ; Training Programs:; We have a structured training program in place to continuously enhance the skills of our team members relevant to the scope of the contract. This includes both technical and soft skills development and the ability to hire and train apprentices. Our commitment extends to supporting professional development opportunities, such as certifications and workshops, ensuring our team, current and future, is equipped with the latest knowledge and expertise.; ; Recognizing the importance of apprenticeships, we are committed to integrating apprenticeship opportunities into our workforce development strategy as we grow, we are currently an SME; however have plans to grow using government apprenticeship schemes. We actively participate in apprenticeship programs to provide opportunities for individuals to gain hands-on experience and develop skills in alignment with the contract requirements.; ; As a growing SME and former start-up Digital Skills, understands the issues facing companies working within supply chains and the barriers to growth and market entry. To address these issues:; We pay 100% of our sub-contractors’ invoices within 7 days. ; We work collaboratively with other small and diverse organisations. ; ; Policy outcome 2: Increase supply chain resilience and capacity; ; We are Cyber Essential accredited and encourage our supply chain to achieve accreditation. ; Innovation; Diverse supply chains; Collaboration

  Equal opportunity

  Policy outcome 1: Reduce the disability employment gap ; ; Policy outcome 2: Tackle workforce inequality; ; Digital Skills are committed to Equal Opportunities and more specifically are a specialist and helping to increase the presence of Women in Technology. Our services are aimed at both attracting more women in technology as well as ensuring that discrimination on the basis of race, sexual orientation, gender identity. ; ; Our recruitment policy is orientated around hiring the best; however this is done by ensuring that we appeal to all communities, by using techniques such as: ; ; - Advertising in such a way that will appeal to a greater pool. We do this by stripping requirements down to their essentials, not alienating workers due to having only 80% of the skills ; ; - Networking in industry specific events for people of minority backgrounds ; ; - Offering flexible working that helps with childcare. ; ; A core client has selected Digital Skills as a specialist supplier of women in technology. In the past year, 75% of the Digital Skills’ consultants with this client were women. ; ; Digital Skills, a SME, is exempt from legislation regarding the Modern Slavery Act 2015. However, Digital Skills acknowledges its responsibilities in relation to tackling modern slavery and commits to complying with the provisions in the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Our stringent policy of pre-employment checks helps to mitigate the risks of modern slavery.

  Wellbeing

  Policy outcome: Improve health and wellbeing; ; Digital Skills is a people based organisation and the wellbeing of our team is vital to the successful delivery and high quality of our services. ; ; Through offering a flexible working policy we support physical and mental health by removing some of the day to day stress and pressure of juggling their commitments. ; ; Digital Skills promotes exercise and suppliments Gym Membershif for employees, giving extra long time over lunch to get outside and exercise, or head to the gym.; We perform regular check ins for the team's wellbeing and mental health. ; ; Workers at Digital Skills are given access to mental health support and physical health support, provided by Vitality, this includes private medical, discounted exercise watches and 24/7 GP and mental healt support.

Pricing

• Price: £350 to £1,750 a unit a day
• Discount for educational organisations: No

Service documents

• Pricing document

  PDF

• Skills Framework for the Information Age rate card

  PDF

• Service definition document

  PDF

• Terms and conditions

  PDF

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at mike@digitalskills.com. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.